On NBC’s new reality series Stars Earn Stripes, celebrities compete in complex missions inspired by real military exercises.

Hosted by former NATO commander General Wesley Clark, the series follows a group of stars — from Laila Ali to Nick Lachey to Todd Palin — as they compete for various military and veterans charities.

Todd Palin talked to PARADE about his involvement in the new series, and former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin opened up about supporting her husband as he steps into the spotlight. Stars Earn Stripes premieres tonight on NBC at 8 p.m. ET.

What was the most difficult thing about filming Stars Earn Stripes? “Just some of the missions that we were going through and the level of danger and the mental, emotion, and physical strain. I knew that we were going to do some pretty gnarly stuff, but I didn’t expect jumping out of helicopters!”

Many of the celebrity contestants say it was a life-changing experience. Do you agree? “There’s no question. When you have a teammate in the mission and you put your life in his or her hands, it’s life changing. We all learned from each other. “

How did your family react to you joining the series? “I put it in front of the family before I made the decision to participate. They were definitely supportive.”

Sarah, what was it like cheering Todd on from the sidelines? “I support him in his commercial fishing, snowmobile racing, flying, raising five kids, and everything else that he does! I supported him wholeheartedly. This was something very worthy and very fun to support. It was such an awesome experience for Todd.

There are some serious athletes competing on this series. Were you concerned about how Todd would do in some of the more challenging missions? “No because Todd’s a hardcore, kick-butt athlete — that’s what a commercial fisherman is! All of the things he does in real life as a racer and a pilot came together very well for him as a competitor. I’m looking forward to watching it as a family.”